Infertility, female Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(5):235-240
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000500003
PURPOSE: to establish the prevalence of thrombophilic factors in infertile women. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed, in which infertile women, seen in a private clinic with investigation for thrombophilia were included, according to the protocol of the clinic, between March 2003 and March 2005, after the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). One hundred and forty-four infertile women without any liver disease were evaluated. Infertility is defined as one year of unprotected sexual intercourse without conception. The acquired and/or inherited thrombophilic factors investigated were: anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), lupus anticoagulant (LA), protein C deficiency (PCD), protein S deficiency (PSD), antithrombin III deficiency (ATD), presence of the factor V Leiden, mutation G20 210A in the prothrombin gene, and C677T mutation of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). RESULTS: the prevalence values obtained for aCL and LA were 2%. The prevalence of the hereditary thrombophilic factors were: PCD=4%, PSD=6%, ATD=5%, factor V Leiden=3%, prothrombin mutation=3%, MTHFR mutation=57%. Conclusions: of the 144 patients selected, 105 women (72.9%) presented at least one thrombophilic factor. This reinforces the importance and justifies the need of investigation in this group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(5):235-240
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000500003
PURPOSE: to establish the prevalence of thrombophilic factors in infertile women. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed, in which infertile women, seen in a private clinic with investigation for thrombophilia were included, according to the protocol of the clinic, between March 2003 and March 2005, after the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). One hundred and forty-four infertile women without any liver disease were evaluated. Infertility is defined as one year of unprotected sexual intercourse without conception. The acquired and/or inherited thrombophilic factors investigated were: anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), lupus anticoagulant (LA), protein C deficiency (PCD), protein S deficiency (PSD), antithrombin III deficiency (ATD), presence of the factor V Leiden, mutation G20 210A in the prothrombin gene, and C677T mutation of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). RESULTS: the prevalence values obtained for aCL and LA were 2%. The prevalence of the hereditary thrombophilic factors were: PCD=4%, PSD=6%, ATD=5%, factor V Leiden=3%, prothrombin mutation=3%, MTHFR mutation=57%. Conclusions: of the 144 patients selected, 105 women (72.9%) presented at least one thrombophilic factor. This reinforces the importance and justifies the need of investigation in this group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(11):643-651
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001100003
PURPOSE: literature reports show that there are no conclusive data about the association between endometriosis and the concentrations of hormones involved in the control of reproduction. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine FSH, LH, estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and histamine (Hi) concentrations in serum, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid of women with and without endometriosis. METHODS: the extent of the disease was staged according to the revised American Fertility Society classification (1997). For the collection of serum and peritoneal fluid, 28 women with endometriosis undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy were selected (18 infertile women with endometriosis I-II and ten infertile women with endometriosis III-IV). For the control group, 21 fertile women undergoing laparoscopy for tubal sterilization were selected. Follicular fluid was obtained from 39 infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (21 women with endometriosis and 18 women without endometriosis). RESULTS: FSH and LH levels in serum, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid did not differ significantly between groups. On the other hand, E and P concentrations in the peritoneal fluid were significantly lower in infertile women with endometriosis (E: 154.2±15.3 for stages I-II and 89.3 ng/mL±9.8 ng/mL for stages III-IV; P: 11.2±1.5 for stages I-II and 7.6 ng/mL±0.8 for stages III-IV) in comparison with control women (E: 289.1 ng/mL±30.1; P: 32.8±4.1 ng/mL) (Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests; p<0.05). In serum, estradiol and progesterone concentrations followed the same pattern. In the follicular fluid, E and Hi concentrations were significantly lower in women with endometriosis (E: 97.4±11.1 pg/mL; Hi: 6.6±0.9 ng/mL) in comparison to women without endometriosis (E: 237.5±28.5 pg/mL; Hi: 13.8±1.3 ng/mL) (Student t-test; p<0.05), while progesterone levels revealed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: our results indicate ovary dysfunction in women with endometriosis, with reduction on E, P and Hi concentrations, which may contribute to the subfertility often associated with the disease.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(11):643-651
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001100003
PURPOSE: literature reports show that there are no conclusive data about the association between endometriosis and the concentrations of hormones involved in the control of reproduction. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine FSH, LH, estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and histamine (Hi) concentrations in serum, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid of women with and without endometriosis. METHODS: the extent of the disease was staged according to the revised American Fertility Society classification (1997). For the collection of serum and peritoneal fluid, 28 women with endometriosis undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy were selected (18 infertile women with endometriosis I-II and ten infertile women with endometriosis III-IV). For the control group, 21 fertile women undergoing laparoscopy for tubal sterilization were selected. Follicular fluid was obtained from 39 infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (21 women with endometriosis and 18 women without endometriosis). RESULTS: FSH and LH levels in serum, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid did not differ significantly between groups. On the other hand, E and P concentrations in the peritoneal fluid were significantly lower in infertile women with endometriosis (E: 154.2±15.3 for stages I-II and 89.3 ng/mL±9.8 ng/mL for stages III-IV; P: 11.2±1.5 for stages I-II and 7.6 ng/mL±0.8 for stages III-IV) in comparison with control women (E: 289.1 ng/mL±30.1; P: 32.8±4.1 ng/mL) (Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests; p<0.05). In serum, estradiol and progesterone concentrations followed the same pattern. In the follicular fluid, E and Hi concentrations were significantly lower in women with endometriosis (E: 97.4±11.1 pg/mL; Hi: 6.6±0.9 ng/mL) in comparison to women without endometriosis (E: 237.5±28.5 pg/mL; Hi: 13.8±1.3 ng/mL) (Student t-test; p<0.05), while progesterone levels revealed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: our results indicate ovary dysfunction in women with endometriosis, with reduction on E, P and Hi concentrations, which may contribute to the subfertility often associated with the disease.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(10):612-623
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001000008
Despite a wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations related to endometriosis, a high prevalence of the disease is observed in infertile women and in those with chronic pelvic pain. This enigmatic condition has a high socioeconomic impact, and the described data regarding efficacy of the therapeutic approaches are quite conflicting. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe the available scientific evidence about the applicable therapeutic modalities and to provide recommendations for the treatment of infertility and the chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis. Although suppression of ovarian function in patients with minimal or mild endometriosis is not effective in improving fertility, ablation of the lesions associated with adhesiolysis seems to be more effective than exclusive diagnostic laparoscopy. There is no sufficient evidence to determine whether surgical excision in cases of moderate or severe disease would improve the pregnancy rates. In vitro fertilization seems to be an adequate approach, especially in cases of coexistence of infertility factors and/or failure of other treatments. The possibility of using GnRH for 3 to 6 months before in vitro fertilization should be considered. Regarding pain relief, suppression of ovarian function for 3 to 6 months in patients with laparoscopically-confirmed disease reduces the pain associated with endometriosis. All studied medication seem to have similar efficacy, differing only in terms of adverse effects and costs. Ablation of endometriotic lesion reduces the pain associated with endometriosis, being less effective in cases of minimal disease. Exeresis of endometriomas with diameter > 4 cm seems to improve the rate of natural fecundity and the rate for ??? obtained after assisted reproduction procedures, in addition to reducing both pain and recurrence risk. Finally, it is important to emphasize that this subject is much controversial and the recommendations herein described should be revised as randomized controlled clinical trials with adequate casuistic generate more concrete and reliable evidence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(10):612-623
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001000008
Despite a wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations related to endometriosis, a high prevalence of the disease is observed in infertile women and in those with chronic pelvic pain. This enigmatic condition has a high socioeconomic impact, and the described data regarding efficacy of the therapeutic approaches are quite conflicting. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe the available scientific evidence about the applicable therapeutic modalities and to provide recommendations for the treatment of infertility and the chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis. Although suppression of ovarian function in patients with minimal or mild endometriosis is not effective in improving fertility, ablation of the lesions associated with adhesiolysis seems to be more effective than exclusive diagnostic laparoscopy. There is no sufficient evidence to determine whether surgical excision in cases of moderate or severe disease would improve the pregnancy rates. In vitro fertilization seems to be an adequate approach, especially in cases of coexistence of infertility factors and/or failure of other treatments. The possibility of using GnRH for 3 to 6 months before in vitro fertilization should be considered. Regarding pain relief, suppression of ovarian function for 3 to 6 months in patients with laparoscopically-confirmed disease reduces the pain associated with endometriosis. All studied medication seem to have similar efficacy, differing only in terms of adverse effects and costs. Ablation of endometriotic lesion reduces the pain associated with endometriosis, being less effective in cases of minimal disease. Exeresis of endometriomas with diameter > 4 cm seems to improve the rate of natural fecundity and the rate for ??? obtained after assisted reproduction procedures, in addition to reducing both pain and recurrence risk. Finally, it is important to emphasize that this subject is much controversial and the recommendations herein described should be revised as randomized controlled clinical trials with adequate casuistic generate more concrete and reliable evidence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(10):601-606
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001000006
PURPOSE: To verify the existence of association between sub-fertility or infertility and concurrent celiac disease in women attended at a reproductive disorders out-patient clinic of a general hospital. METHODS: This was a case-control study in which a group of 200 women with difficulty in conceiving was compared with a control group with 400 women who were treated at the same hospital for various reasons, but not for fertility problems. Both groups were submitted to the anti-endomysium antibody protocol using the indirect immunofluorescence method. Whenever positive, the diagnosis was further confirmed by endoscopic duodenal biopsy and histopathological exams. RESULTS: Anti-endomysium testing resulted positive in three patients (1.5%) within the group of women with difficulty in conceiving. Diagnosis of celiac disease was subsequently confirmed by histopathological exams of the duodenal mucosa. All the control patients presented negative results in the serological exams. CONCLUSION: Celiac disease was observed only in women with difficulty in conceiving, a relevant fact indicating that this disease may be more common in infertile women. However, new studies with a greater sample size are needed to confirm this possible association.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(10):601-606
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001000006
PURPOSE: To verify the existence of association between sub-fertility or infertility and concurrent celiac disease in women attended at a reproductive disorders out-patient clinic of a general hospital. METHODS: This was a case-control study in which a group of 200 women with difficulty in conceiving was compared with a control group with 400 women who were treated at the same hospital for various reasons, but not for fertility problems. Both groups were submitted to the anti-endomysium antibody protocol using the indirect immunofluorescence method. Whenever positive, the diagnosis was further confirmed by endoscopic duodenal biopsy and histopathological exams. RESULTS: Anti-endomysium testing resulted positive in three patients (1.5%) within the group of women with difficulty in conceiving. Diagnosis of celiac disease was subsequently confirmed by histopathological exams of the duodenal mucosa. All the control patients presented negative results in the serological exams. CONCLUSION: Celiac disease was observed only in women with difficulty in conceiving, a relevant fact indicating that this disease may be more common in infertile women. However, new studies with a greater sample size are needed to confirm this possible association.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(6):358-364
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000600007
PURPOSE: to assess the frequency of stress and anxiety levels in infertile women, in order to obtain data for specific psychological intervention. METHODS: a cross-sectional study involving 152 infertile (mean age 30.3±5.4 years), and 150 healthy control women (25.7±7.9 years). All patients were evaluated with the Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Considered dependent variables were: stress frequency and anxiety scores (state and trait). Statistical analysis was performed by the chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests, and logistical regression to test associations between response variables and considered risk factors. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: the stress was more frequent in the infertile group than in the control group (61.8 and 36.0%, respectively); however, no significant differences were observed between groups in relation to stress phases and predominant symptoms. With respect to anxiety, there were no significant differences between infertile and control groups as to median state scores (39.5 and 41.0, respectively) and anxiety trait scores (44.0 and 42.0, respectively). Factors significantly associated with greater risk for high anxiety scores in the infertile group were: unawareness of the causal factor, diagnostic phase investigation, and lack of children from other marriages. CONCLUSIONS: it can be concluded that infertile women are more vulnerable to stress; however, they are capable of adapting themselves to stressful events without serious physical or psychological compromise.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(6):358-364
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000600007
PURPOSE: to assess the frequency of stress and anxiety levels in infertile women, in order to obtain data for specific psychological intervention. METHODS: a cross-sectional study involving 152 infertile (mean age 30.3±5.4 years), and 150 healthy control women (25.7±7.9 years). All patients were evaluated with the Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Considered dependent variables were: stress frequency and anxiety scores (state and trait). Statistical analysis was performed by the chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests, and logistical regression to test associations between response variables and considered risk factors. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: the stress was more frequent in the infertile group than in the control group (61.8 and 36.0%, respectively); however, no significant differences were observed between groups in relation to stress phases and predominant symptoms. With respect to anxiety, there were no significant differences between infertile and control groups as to median state scores (39.5 and 41.0, respectively) and anxiety trait scores (44.0 and 42.0, respectively). Factors significantly associated with greater risk for high anxiety scores in the infertile group were: unawareness of the causal factor, diagnostic phase investigation, and lack of children from other marriages. CONCLUSIONS: it can be concluded that infertile women are more vulnerable to stress; however, they are capable of adapting themselves to stressful events without serious physical or psychological compromise.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(10):599-606
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001000006
PURPOSE: comparative analysis of the outcome of women with advanced pelvic endometriosis and women with tubal sterilization submitted to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: ninety-three infertile women, with normal menstrual cycle, without hormonal or surgical treatment during 12 months, body mass index of 20-25, ovaries with no tumors or cysts were included in the present study and divided into two groups: tubal sterilization (TUB), 39 women, and endometriosis (EDT), 54 women with III-EDT and IV-EDT, undergoing ovulatory induction using r-FSH and ICSI. Clinical and laboratorial data were compared. chi2, Fisher, Student's t, and Mann-Whitney tests were employed. RESULTS: lower estradiol levels (2,243.1 vs 1,666.3; p=0.001) and lower number of follicles per patient (16.9 vs 13.9, p=0.001) were noted in EDT group, in spite of more units of r-FSH (1,775.6 vs 1,998.6; p=0.007, for TUB and EDT, respectively). There were no differences in the rates of retrieved oocyte (69 vs 73.5%; p=0.071) as well as in normal fertilization rates (83.7 vs 81.7%; p=0.563, for TUB and EDT, respectively. However, lower number of top quality preembryos were obtained in patients from EDT group (36.5 vs 24.8%, TUB and EDT, respectively; p=0.005). Total pregnancy (41.0 vs 42.6%; p=0.950) and implantation rates (13.9 vs 14.5%; p=0.905) were not different when groups TUB and EDT were compared. CONCLUSIONS: ovaries of women from EDT group seem to be less responsive to ovulatory induction with r-FSH. EDT seems to impair the mean number of follicles and top quality preembryos with no impairment of retrieved oocyte and fertilization rates. However, once obtained, preembryos from EDT patients are able to exhibit similar implantation potential and pregnancy when compared with patients from TUB group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(10):599-606
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001000006
PURPOSE: comparative analysis of the outcome of women with advanced pelvic endometriosis and women with tubal sterilization submitted to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: ninety-three infertile women, with normal menstrual cycle, without hormonal or surgical treatment during 12 months, body mass index of 20-25, ovaries with no tumors or cysts were included in the present study and divided into two groups: tubal sterilization (TUB), 39 women, and endometriosis (EDT), 54 women with III-EDT and IV-EDT, undergoing ovulatory induction using r-FSH and ICSI. Clinical and laboratorial data were compared. chi2, Fisher, Student's t, and Mann-Whitney tests were employed. RESULTS: lower estradiol levels (2,243.1 vs 1,666.3; p=0.001) and lower number of follicles per patient (16.9 vs 13.9, p=0.001) were noted in EDT group, in spite of more units of r-FSH (1,775.6 vs 1,998.6; p=0.007, for TUB and EDT, respectively). There were no differences in the rates of retrieved oocyte (69 vs 73.5%; p=0.071) as well as in normal fertilization rates (83.7 vs 81.7%; p=0.563, for TUB and EDT, respectively. However, lower number of top quality preembryos were obtained in patients from EDT group (36.5 vs 24.8%, TUB and EDT, respectively; p=0.005). Total pregnancy (41.0 vs 42.6%; p=0.950) and implantation rates (13.9 vs 14.5%; p=0.905) were not different when groups TUB and EDT were compared. CONCLUSIONS: ovaries of women from EDT group seem to be less responsive to ovulatory induction with r-FSH. EDT seems to impair the mean number of follicles and top quality preembryos with no impairment of retrieved oocyte and fertilization rates. However, once obtained, preembryos from EDT patients are able to exhibit similar implantation potential and pregnancy when compared with patients from TUB group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(7):401-406
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000700006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the agreement between noninvasive methods - pelvic pain, transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosalpingography - and the gynecologic endoscopy approach for the diagnosis of tuboperitoneal factors responsible for conjugal infertility. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional study including 149 infertile patients who were submitted to clinical evaluation, transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy. In the evaluation of pelvic pain, the following complaints were considered to be abnormal: pelvic pain of the dyspareunia type, dysmenorrhea or acyclic pain, and pain upon mobilization of the cervix and palpation of the adnexa. Ultrasonographic examination was considered to be altered when adnexal or uterine morphological changes (hydrosalpinx, myomas or uterine malformations) were detected. Hysterosalpingography was considered to be abnormal in the presence of anatomical tubal changes and unilateral or bilateral obstruction. The agreement between noninvasive methods and endoscopy was evaluated by kappa statistics. RESULTS: the agreements between pelvic pain, transvaginal ultrasound, and hysterosalpingography and the endoscopic approach were 46.3% (kappa=0.092; CI 95%: -0.043 to 0.228), 24% (kappa=-0.052; CI 95%: -0.148 to 0.043), and 46% (kappa=0.092; CI 95%: -0.043 to 0.228), respectively. When at least one alteration detected by noninvasive methods was considered, the agreement with endoscopic approach was 63% (kappa=-0.014; CI 95%: -0.227 to 0.199). Sensitivity and specificity in predicting alterations on endoscopic approach were 39.5 and 80% in the presence of pelvic pain, 14.5 and 72% in the presence of alteration on transvaginal ultrasound, 39.5 and 80% in the presence of alteration on hysterosalpingography, and 70.2 and 28% in the presence of at least one alteration by noninvasive methods. CONCLUSION: there is a poor diagnostic agreement between the several noninvasive methods and endoscopy in the investigation of conjugal infertility secondary to tuboperitoneal factors.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(7):401-406
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000700006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the agreement between noninvasive methods - pelvic pain, transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosalpingography - and the gynecologic endoscopy approach for the diagnosis of tuboperitoneal factors responsible for conjugal infertility. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional study including 149 infertile patients who were submitted to clinical evaluation, transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy. In the evaluation of pelvic pain, the following complaints were considered to be abnormal: pelvic pain of the dyspareunia type, dysmenorrhea or acyclic pain, and pain upon mobilization of the cervix and palpation of the adnexa. Ultrasonographic examination was considered to be altered when adnexal or uterine morphological changes (hydrosalpinx, myomas or uterine malformations) were detected. Hysterosalpingography was considered to be abnormal in the presence of anatomical tubal changes and unilateral or bilateral obstruction. The agreement between noninvasive methods and endoscopy was evaluated by kappa statistics. RESULTS: the agreements between pelvic pain, transvaginal ultrasound, and hysterosalpingography and the endoscopic approach were 46.3% (kappa=0.092; CI 95%: -0.043 to 0.228), 24% (kappa=-0.052; CI 95%: -0.148 to 0.043), and 46% (kappa=0.092; CI 95%: -0.043 to 0.228), respectively. When at least one alteration detected by noninvasive methods was considered, the agreement with endoscopic approach was 63% (kappa=-0.014; CI 95%: -0.227 to 0.199). Sensitivity and specificity in predicting alterations on endoscopic approach were 39.5 and 80% in the presence of pelvic pain, 14.5 and 72% in the presence of alteration on transvaginal ultrasound, 39.5 and 80% in the presence of alteration on hysterosalpingography, and 70.2 and 28% in the presence of at least one alteration by noninvasive methods. CONCLUSION: there is a poor diagnostic agreement between the several noninvasive methods and endoscopy in the investigation of conjugal infertility secondary to tuboperitoneal factors.
